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Norfolk & Suffolk Foundation NHS Trust

Deputy Service Manager - Step 3

Job Type

Permanent

Reference 

246-WSN7814991

Salary

Location

£55,690 - £62,682

Posted Date

4 March 2026

Norwich

Closing Date

22 March 2026

Job summary

Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest providers of Talking Therapies services in the country. We are seeking an experienced Deputy Service Manager to lead the operational delivery of the service for Norfolk and Waveney Talking Therapies at Step 3. This is a period of change for the service which requires resilience, flexibility and collaborative working across the service, Trust and wider system.

Following contract renewal in 2024, the service has moved to a data-led, place-based model, taking provision closer to the local population that it serves. Recent developments have included the launch a self-referral Chat-bot (WYSA), roll-out of a new cCBT platform (SilverCloud), and the production of new films for perinatal clients.

Norfolk and Waveney Talking Therapies is research active and is working closely with the University of East Anglia, as research partner as we build our portfolio of projects.

We are committed to quality through external scrutiny and have recently joined the Accreditation Programme for Psychological Therapies (APPTS), part of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, College Centre for Quality Improvement assurance programme.

Main duties of the job

To fully support the Service Manager with the strategic and operational planning and delivery of N&W Talking Therapies Service.

The Deputy Service Manager is a key management role and is responsible for the day-to-day operational delivery of all aspects of the N&W Talking Therapies Service. The post holder will ensure that effective and efficient structures are in place to ensure that all standards of client care are met, and associated risk and governance matters are managed.

The Deputy Service Manager will provide support in developing efficient and effective client centred services in conjunction with their clinical peer(s), meeting key operational performance targets, and putting in place effective processes for delivering national and local targets, reviewing the efficiency and effectiveness of services in terms of cost effectiveness, service improvement and financial flows.

About us

Our vision for Norfolk and Waveney Talking Therapies is to improve the lives of the 210,000 people who suffer with anxiety and depression, promoting sustained recovery and wellbeing in line with Talking Therapies Manual.

Together with partners we will reduce the differentials in access, treatment and outcomes from Talking Therapies that those who experience inequalities face in our communities.

Our approach brings together VCSE and statutory organisations at System, Place and community levels, aligning physical health and mental health pathways with networks of social and community support.


As a service we are aligned with the Trust values:

We are a Team:We build strong relationships within and across teams and work closely with service users, carers and families

We are Accountable:We are answerable for our actions, behaviour and performance and take pride in our work

We Learn and Improve:We take every opportunity to learn and improve and provide feedback which is helpful, sincere and genuine.

We are Kind:We act with kindness, and we treat everyone with respect and dignity.


Annual Leave starts at 27 days a year plus bank holidays increasing to 33 days plus bank holidays after 10 consecutive years.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Provide timely, efficient and effective operational service management leadership within the service to ensure that it is responsive, innovative and provided to the highest possible performance standards.

Provide clear leadership ensuring that all staff are appropriately managed and developed, and that they are efficient, effective, engaged and motivated.

To work in partnership with clinical staff.

Take forward agreed projects to improve service delivery and client experience in key areas.

Lead on ensuring that all performance/quality targets are met.

Problem solve as appropriate, and develop and implement lasting solutions in conjunction with clinical colleagues.

To promote equality, diversity and inclusion within areas of influence.

To comply with the NHS Code of Conduct for Managers.

Deputise for Service Manager as required.

If you are having to relocate for your role you are entitled to claim for up to £5,000 of relocation costs.Once you have started in post, please access the New Starter page on the Trust intranet where you will find the full relocation policy and details of how to claim. Please note you will need to provide receipts for your relocation expenses, if receipts can not be provided the relocation claim will be subject to tax. If you leave the Trust within a 2 year period you will be required to reimburse all or some of the total amount claimed.

Please note the relocation is for external applicants only. Not applicable to newly qualified nurses and you must meet the minimum requirements of the policy.

Please find attached our Job Description and Person Specification for more detail on your Key Accountabilities, then if you feel you have what it takes to make a difference in your local communities, click APPLY!

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential
-Masters level qualification in management or leadership or equivalent relevant experience
-Continuous professional development relevant to this person specification
-Professional qualification in health or social care.

Desirable
-Experience of managing health and social care integrated services.

Experience

Essential
-Managing health or social care services
-Involvement in managing change / projects
-Service improvement and development
-Managing people and Working in partnership

Desirable
-Extensive experience of managing services at a senior level
-Working in a range of management roles and environments
-Working in mental health

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Job documents

Job Description

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